What DIY car tasks should every driver know how to perform?
Posted by Unlikely-Sand-3565@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 131 comments
Posted by Unlikely-Sand-3565@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 131 comments
TellemTom@reddit
Change a tire, headlight/brake light, battery, windshield wiper at a minimum.
NorthSpecialist6064@reddit
I didn't know, I'll give a pass for not knowing how to change some of these modern headlights.
DFLDrew@reddit
If it’s LED, it should outlive the rest of the car
pwdahmer@reddit
That’s not how modern lights are made
DFLDrew@reddit
Oh yeah, I forgot, everything is planned obsolescence and enshitification, right?
pwdahmer@reddit
Has been for over 100 years and it actually started with light bulb companies.
DFLDrew@reddit
Cool. Read more about the evil light bulb companies and you’ll learn it was actually to protect consumers overpaying for electricity. There’s actually a technology connections video about it if you don’t want to read.
pwdahmer@reddit
Do what
That makes zero sense.
DFLDrew@reddit
Electricity consumption and lumens produced is not a linear relationship.
One-Bodybuilder309@reddit
Should, but possibly won’t. Then it’s $1100 to replace it
NoEmu5969@reddit
But the ballast will fry every two years.
f700es@reddit
Except on most GMs and Chryslers that I see out on the road.
NorthSpecialist6064@reddit
It should, and mine probably will, but things happen.
ReturnToStore@reddit
Step 1. Jack up the car, remove front wheel, remove wheel arch liner, remove front bumper, remove air box, remove battery.
Step 2. Replace headlight.
CLSonReddit@reddit
Every driver should not be jacking up a car. I understand this is “car guy” forum, but the question was “every driver”.
There are a whole lot of people who would be endangering themselves trying to jack a car. And that is ok, different people have different skills and aptitudes.
ReturnToStore@reddit
That's the joke here, replacing a headlight bulb is no longer something that the "every driver" can easily do on many modern cars.
NorthSpecialist6064@reddit
Look who has never replaced a headlight assembly integrated into the bumper. Looks like you forgot the step to align the new headlight, too.
SensitiveStart8682@reddit
With some of the newer cars out there were you need to take the entire front bumper off just get at the headlight assembly I can understand
ReturnToStore@reddit
Probably need the new unit to be coded to the VIN too these days.
NorthSpecialist6064@reddit
The laser headlights? Probably. Defo beamers and stuff. Projectors? Nah.
funkspiel56@reddit
i saw a quote for a led headlight fix on a vw that was more than the dealerrship quote to swap my engine.
NorthSpecialist6064@reddit
That tracks
Efficient_Field4700@reddit
You forgot to loosen the engine mounts so you can move the entire engine for the extra 2" of space required.
Only slightly exaggerating
BEER_G00D@reddit
Had an '09 Malibu. Hated ever having to change the headlights. I put so few miles on it and eventually got rid of it just to not change the lights one more time. Sold it to a desperate neighbor for well under value, so it was a win win for both.
Least-Relation-9847@reddit
You must have a 2008-12 Chevrolet Malibu.
No-Percentage6474@reddit
The newer VW bug was take the fender off to replace the head light.
jayoshoowa87@reddit
Sounds like a caddy dts
One-Bodybuilder309@reddit
An engineer will pass up a bus full of women to screw a mechanic
NorthSpecialist6064@reddit
Just wait until you hear about finance people
One-Bodybuilder309@reddit
Them too. 😳
livinlifegood1@reddit
I think he may mean the bulb
Least-Relation-9847@reddit
If you're determined enough then YouTube University can show you how.
But yeah, some of these newer cars are stupidly complex. I had a 2009 Malibu and I swear I had to tear half the front end off before I could get to the headlight assembly. It was the one thing I hated about that car.
Least-Relation-9847@reddit
If you have YouTube then you should be able to do most basic car maintenance.
Dorsai56@reddit
For most of them it's remove a rubber cover and change a light bulb.
Right_Perception_497@reddit
Agreed. My 7th gen accord is so simple. At the most all you have to do is take out the battery to change it. My 8th gen accord you have to go in through the wheel well. It’s a PITA.
SkylineFTW97@reddit
Modern ones often don't have serviceable bulbs. They should (they can still do this with diodes, they just don't). But they don't.
JagR286211@reddit
Agree. I would add changing the oil, but that’s probably a stretch for most, no?
livinlifegood1@reddit
Add oil change to this and it’s perfect. Even if it’s just understanding what and why.
theadvenger@reddit
Agreed with this list! Although now with my current car the head lights are not serviceable and the car doesn't have a spare. Mach-E.
Fresh-Package5303@reddit
agree
AnythingLegitimate@reddit
I would add check fluids, air pressure, know when a dashboard light is not normal as well as the temperature gauge. Being able to jump a car is handy but is often covered with roadside assistance
sharpshooter999@reddit
Me, as a teen with an '03 F-150: Oh, I need a head light. Might as well swap both. (Easily reaches in and swaps the right one) Ok....how the hell do i get to my left one?
(Calls mechanic)
Mechanic: On an '03? You gotta remove your coolant reservoir to access your headlight. To remove your reservoir, you need to remove your air filter housing. Have fun!
That wasn't as bad as my wife's Escape. To replace the starter, I had to remove the front right tire and partially unbolt the front axle.....
SummertimeThrowaway2@reddit
I agree on everything except headlight/brakelights. All the other stuff is important to know in a pinch, like if the battery dies right before you leave for work.
But for people who dont actually care about mechanic work and have the money to pay someone else, what’s the point?
Blu_yello_husky@reddit
Many if not most modern car headlights require the removal of front bumpers, wheels and fender liners, or under hood components to get access the bulbs. I wont hold it against a 90 year old woman if she cant chabge her own headlight on a 2026 lexus
No_Win7658@reddit
Haven’t done lights yet :-( , honestly also never had a light broken.
SnooLemons9175@reddit
Change a wheel, change a bulb, check/top up fluids, check tyres and put air in them, proper way to wash a car. My personal, possibly controversial opinion is, that if you can't do these basic things, you have no business owning/driving a car.
CLSonReddit@reddit
Every driver? You have to assume a lot of people with no skill or aptitude for hands-on things.
They should know to monitor warning lights and take it to a professional when service is required. They should know to monitor oil change intervals and get car serviced as required.
Stone_taggs@reddit
tire
lights
oil
brakes
battery
wipers
coolant/wiper fluid
Ivy1974@reddit
Cabin and engine filter. They are a rip off at any mechanic shop. And don’t buy from an auto parts store. They charge double than what Amazon sells them.
Signal-Opposite-4793@reddit
How to piss in the radiator
onedelta89@reddit
Oil change. Brakes, diff and trans fluid changes, Tire change, Fuzes. Filter changes, air, cabin etc.
TanzaniteII@reddit
Recent model cars in these days of extreme complexity -> Pump the right gas. Pay attention to alerts from the car’s computer. Take it to dealer/indy shop/tire provider for timely service, repair, maintenance. Call AAA or similar for roadside assistance.
Crazy_Judgment_4186@reddit
Pretty much the basics everyone's listing, change a tire, check/top off fluids, replace wipers/battery, and maybe jump start a car. That alone covers most common stuck on the road situations. Anything beyond that is a bonus, but those core skills are the real minimum every driver should have.
vbf-cc@reddit
Fill up the correct fuel without mixing up gas and diesel or choosing a more expensive octane rating than needed.
Top up the windshield washer fluid without contaminating the engine oil.
Find the tire pressure sticker and check the pressure in the four mounted tires.
Clear the car of snow.
I feel that if we start with these we can go from there.
Zapatos-Grande@reddit
Every gas station: Let's make the diesel nozzles green.
BP: Screw it, let's make all the gas nozzles green.
ballofcosmicenergy@reddit
I avoid BP‘s altogether because it just feels wrong filling up with a green handle lol. Also one time almost put gas in a diesel at a BP, which is a much more real issue.
Crisis-Huskies-fan@reddit
“Clear the car of snow”, though very simple, is unfortunately far less common than it should be. People are just so damn lazy.
AnythingLegitimate@reddit
Understand your dashboard lights and be able to look up new ones in your manual
Sea_Surround471@reddit
Every driver should know how to change a flat tire and check their oil levels. It is also super helpful to learn how to jump-start a battery and replace your windshield wiper blades.
CarGullible5691@reddit
Check tyre pressures, coolant levels, oil level, screen wash, on a weekly basis and before any long journeys. Also check condition of tyres , especially on cars with no spare wheel. If you get a flat tyre you are in serious trouble if you can’t change it for a spare wheel. I see it a lot on motorways and it’s so dangerous
TeamFoulmouth@reddit
Put their spare tire on, top off all fluids, change a bulb and wipers..
benz58@reddit
Anything requiring a "change."
diamasa@reddit
It would be good if they knew how to drive
BearFLSTS@reddit
Back your car up to a glass front of a shop, building or something to use the reflection to check your own brake lights. It’s amazing to me how many cars have only one brake still working! Super dangerous!
0407Darkness@reddit
Change a tire and read the fuel gauge. Bonus points if you ever READ the owners manual...
BigSkyHawk1@reddit
Check oil, check coolant, check battery, tire change, and monitor engine temp.
thyperson69@reddit
Knowing how to drive your particular car. DIY as in taking the act of driving as a responsibility. So many people are dangerous drivers because they don't know the basics of driving a 2 ton death machine, spacail awarenesd, and momentum of their speed. They treat it like a go kart. Driving is fun if you know how to drive, dangerous if you don't. I see people driving so slow on the highway that is super dangerous for everyone around them. Then there's people that drive so fast they'll take multiple cars with them when they mess up.
Maintenance wise, tires, oil, filters, fuses, coolant. Knowing how to maintain these simple things will save a lot of money. Also knowing the schedule of them as well.
Due-Instruction1026@reddit
Change your oil, changing a tire
fluteofski-@reddit
This may be a tall ask, but to LOOK at a tire and be able to distinguish a tire that is ok vs not OK to drive.
I’m in the tech capital of the world and the number of people driving around in fancy modern cars with bald tires is highly concerning…. Especially those who can afford it but are far too clueless as to the dangers to do anything about them.
Harkers144@reddit
Change battery, windshield wipers, Top off fluid levels, change engine air filter and cabin filter. Properly check oil, Ck tire pressure. Jacking and changing out a tire. How to replace light bulbs inside and out
Zapatos-Grande@reddit
Replacing the cabin air filter and engine air filter. The OEM parts are typically cheap and both only take a couple of minutes to do and for a lot of cars, don't require any tools or any specialty tools. Dealers try to add this on during a service, typically with a pretty substantial mark up.
Marty_DiBergi@reddit
Surprised I had to scroll this far to find air filters. Your comments are spot-on.
riennempeche@reddit
Some cabin air filters require removing a lot of stuff. It’s not just expensive cars. My 2017 Chevy Cruze required removing several panels, removing screws, and removing the glove box.
Marty_DiBergi@reddit
Very true. I had to do the same for my old Honda Pilot.
Internet-of-cruft@reddit
Fill the fuel in their car, open the hood of their car, check and adjust tire pressure, check fluid levels (oil, brake, coolant, windshield washer), and swap a tire for a spare.
That makes you just barely functional should something go wrong, and then you can go have someone (mechanic) fix bigger issues.
Hot-Development-9036@reddit
Changing the air filter. Checking fluids. Fixing a flat tire. Lubricating hinges. Changing wiper blades. Changing spark plugs.
chillaxtion@reddit
None. Our entire society is based on task specialization.
What aspect of farming should people who eat food be able to do? Does my 82 year old mother in law need to check her oil? No.
skullfrucker@reddit
Cabin and Engine air filters on most cars are super easy, yet I see folks paying the dealership exorbitant prices to do these tasks. Changing a tire and checking and knowing where your fluids are supposed to go and what levels are fine and what levels are not. Interior and exterior lighting on most cars are another basic skill that everyone should know. Finally learn how to change your wiper blades it's really not difficult.
Lordofpineapples@reddit
Burnouts, heeltoe rev match down shifting, double clutching
nopester24@reddit
Basic maintenance, brake jobs
MathematicianOne6902@reddit
Oil change, wiper change, tire change, cabin air filter change. And most importantly a maintenance log book.
Salavar1@reddit
Oil and brakes
staticvoidmainnull@reddit
checking oil levels if your car still has dipsticks. check other things like bulb, tire pressure. jump start (carry a battery). put air in tire. tire change. jacking up a car. replacing bulbs (assuming it uses regular bulbs). replacing wipers. also add ability to refuel yourself (especially if you're from NJ/OR or outside US). also, maybe tire chains when relevant. these are all easy. if you're alone in the middle of nowhere, odds are one of these things you can address, can get you stuck.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
None, there's no reason every driver has to be able to perform any "DIY car tasks".
A 15 year old girl learning to drive, only needs to learn how to drive. She has a father, brother, uncle, AAA, cell phone, etc. for everything else.
49ersBraves@reddit
I've literally seen people not know how to pump gas. Would you consider that a DIY task?
maldoricfcatr@reddit
Yes, only about 2 states have attendants to pump gas.
Hers in the Midwest nobody pumps for you unless you are handicapped and ask them for help. And it would probably take a few minutes for someone to walk from inside the gas station. If they even have enough people there to send outside. If only one clerk imside-- then no.
jlenko@reddit
I’ll agree with you to the first point… learning to drive safely. Once they’ve achieved a full license, regardless of gender, it’s good to at least understand vehicle maintenance so you don’t get raked over the coals. Knowing what actually is a bad (fix now) thing vs a put off until next shop visit is important.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
I'd even say maintenance is a low priority as long as they have someone knowledgeable they trust to assist them. The only other thing to learn is the few things with immediate safety concerns. Doing a quick safety inspection, tires, lights, clearing windows, knowing the warning lights and gauges, etc.. But I don't think that counts as "DIY car tasks".
jlenko@reddit
Even depends on the vehicle. Something newer, reliable, well-maintained, etc is, by default, going to require less roadside repair. Not everyone has someone knowledgeable to rely on
StilltheoneNY@reddit
Thank you! I was going to say that's why I pay AAA and ask my neighbor if I have any questions.
Educational_Meet1885@reddit
At the very least how and how often to check the oil. Especially if they use a Jiffy Lube type of place.
endsonee@reddit
Pre trip inspections to spot the risk.
Don’t necessarily need to be able to fix everything, but one should be able to spot what is unsafe and needs attention.
NorthSpecialist6064@reddit
I'm not pre tripping my economy car for a half hour ride, dawg. Nobody is.
Evening-Tomatillo-47@reddit
That's why you see people with no brakes and bluetooth suspension
NorthSpecialist6064@reddit
No, people with no brakes and Bluetooth suspension haven't gotten a state safety inspection in 5 years
maldoricfcatr@reddit
Some states never inspect cars. My '05 liberty has rust holes in doors and rockers. But the brakes are great.
NorthSpecialist6064@reddit
Exactly. I have no idea which one of your shit boxes will come apart on the highway in Ohio because you're not financially able to scrap the car and get a better condition one.
Evening-Tomatillo-47@reddit
Or a personal look at the state of the car inspection
NorthSpecialist6064@reddit
People who don't care that they can't stop their car with two feet on the brake pedal won't give two fucks what a personal look at the car shows. Ask the wizard of Oz for a brain
Evening-Tomatillo-47@reddit
Just have an occasional check on your car will you
herstal54s@reddit
Also, flat tires. Then ask if they're tire was slashed after driving on it for a half hour
glasswings363@reddit
It really should be a daily or weekly habit.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Everyone should at least walk around their car before driving.
HaphazardFlitBipper@reddit
Flip your lights on, walk around the car to make sure they're all working, no flat tires or missing lig nuts. Peek underneath for fluid puddles or animals.
This is the bare minimum for leaving your driveway.
PowerShovel-on-PS1@reddit
Who said to do that?
drttrus@reddit
I think the context of 'trip' would imply a longer duration of time and distance. Most of us aren't checking the car to run to Kroger but if i'm getting it ready to drive 700 miles I'm for sure checking over important items to have confidence something stupid won't happen 2-3 hours down the road
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Sure, but I don't think that counts as a "DIY car task".
crusty_mcnipples@reddit
Check oil level. My kids don't seem to understand that even if you changed the oil 2 months ago, still need to check the level. Especially in older mileage cars.
maldoricfcatr@reddit
And all my family's cars don't use oil between oil changes. 3-5k miles. Except for my diesel. . . I check it halfway at 3k miles.
Dr_StrangeloveGA@reddit
Minimum:
Refuel vehicle
Check oil
Fill windshield wiper fluid
Check tire pressure and fill to correct pressure
Have and know how to use a jump box/jumper cables
Know what roadside services they have and have contact numbers
Bonus:
Change a tire
Check all fluid levels
Check tire tread
Check hoses/belts
The minimum is what I would expect of all drivers, either be able to do it or at least know that these things need done and the right place to ask to do it.
Much more than this is expecting too much for someone not interested in or not having a place to preform maintenance.
MacUser1958@reddit
Change a tire & wiper blades. Current vehicle has to have a new battery “registered” via a tool that I don’t have. ☹️
jlenko@reddit
Ford? My wife had an Exploder that required it. I did it anyway…
LavishnessOk6635@reddit
Headlights used to be easy - still are on some cars. On other cars they are close to impossible.
SadIdeal9019@reddit
Checking tire pressures, Changing the wheel out for the spare, Safe jack points, Change the engine air filter, Change the cabin air filter, Changing wipers, Checking and filling the oil, coolant, washer fluid, and brake fluid.
Chan_Ch@reddit
Check fluids, air, and change a tire.
glasswings363@reddit
Everybody:
De-ice entire vehicle. Operate defrost and defog equipment.
Clean mud, bug guts, etc. from windows and sensors.
Refill wash fluid. Inspect and replace wiper blades.
Basic inspection of other fluids.
Check lights and signals.
Check tire pressure, tread, and condition. Air down, air up. Identify vibration and shimmy.
Install/remove child seats, verify correct installation.
Secure luggage.
Place warning devices (flares, electric beacons, reflector).
Chock wheels.
Basic self-rescue from snow/mud, traction boards.
Install chains or socks (if climate requires).
Flat-tire self-rescue with destructive techniques (drive on run-flat, sealant).
Survive heat and cold while stranded.
Emergency shutoff of fuel pumps and DC chargers. Fire extinguisher use. Emergency window break.
Pressure wash, hand wash, wax.
If able:
Roadside tire change.
Tire rotation, torque lug nuts.
Jumpstart / low voltage rescue.
Lamp replacement.
Trailer hookup and backing.
Brake caliper cleaning and slide pin lubrication. Pad replacement.
LV battery trickle charge and replacement.
Wash radiator.
EV:
Rescue-charging from EV or generator.
Internal combustion:
Motor oil change. Possibly other fluids.
Engine air filter.
Spark plugs and wires, unless diesel or the service interval is really long.
720hp@reddit
My Dad was a mechanic and he made me demonstrate the ability to change the oil, change tires, replace batteries, change the spark plugs, and swap burned out lights and locate and swap burned out fuses. He also made me change belts and other things but all the things up to fuses were his requirement for me to get a license.
Cranks_No_Start@reddit
When I first started driving and I was having issues with my old VW (btw it was 10 years old vs my now 30yo cars. lol) we discussed the issue and decided the engine needed to be replaced.
He handed me a book “How to keep you Volkswagen alive…” and said get to it.
TeamPortuguese@reddit
rolling start a manual transmission iykyk
oxmix74@reddit
Since most people in USA don't know how to use a clutch (where would they find a manual transmission car to learn on and what owner of a manual transmission car would loan it out so someone could learn to drive a manual) once you get the car push started it either gonna be stuck in first or stalled.
Equana@reddit
Check the oil level, coolant level and brake fluid level. Add oil, coolant, brake fluid and windshield washer fluid. Check the tire pressures and know how to fill them to the proper level.
aaacb01@reddit
Checking fluid levels, Tire pressure, replacing wiper blades, changing a flat, battery jump.
Playful-Job2938@reddit
Basic safety inspection, changing tires, checking fluids/filters.
Blu_yello_husky@reddit
Checking fluid levels and changing a tire
HondaJet@reddit
Inspect tires for uneven wear, check and adjust pressure, change to a spare. Or if it’s a modern car with no spare, know how to use the tire repair kit.
Change batteries, air filters (engine and/or cabin).
How to check oil levels. How to change engine oil and oil filters.
These are the most common DIY maintenance or emergency items
Chuckle_Flukk88@reddit
Regular oil level checks, adding sufficient oil. Coolant level, washer fluids, wiper replacement, correct tire pressure.
MysticMarbles@reddit
Change a tire roadside. Check oil levels, inspect tires (pressure/tread), change wipers
insanekid66@reddit
Change tires, oil, and wipers.
NorthSpecialist6064@reddit
Wipers, fluids, adjusting the mirrors specifically to SAE standards (and not to where most people point them at their own car).
dalekaup@reddit
1) declutter, clean and inspect.
2) check tires for wear and wear pattern, do you need to rotate or replace.
tandyzmills@reddit
Change a tire, safely top off fluids, replace wiper blades, replace a battery, jump starting it, diagnose minor problems with an OBD scanner.